Songs of Pain is the first album by folk singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston, recorded on a simple tape recorder and released on Compact Cassette. This is the album's first time being pressed on vinyl. Back in the early 1980s, when the punk-rock DIY spirit was going strong, emerging artists found a cheap and efficient way of distributing their music--the homemade cassette. Sometimes very crude and low-fi, the tapes became a hallmark of instant "indie cred." The erratic, troubled, and startlingly talented Daniel Johnston was one of the first musicians to really make a name for himself in this medium, and his first two tapes, 1980's Songs of Pain and '81's More Songs of Pain make up this collection, re-mixed but retaining their rough edges. The anger and sadness of "An Idiot's End," the wry twist of "Joy Without Pleasure," and the resignation of "More Dead Than Alive" exemplify the genius of his carefully chosen words. His lyrics can sting as well as delight, and his piano playing resonates with emotional depth. Hearing these songs makes one long to hear Beck doing a rendition of "Urge" or Johnny Cash taking on "Wild West Virginia." --Lorry Fleming
Release date:
March 10, 2023
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Pre-Amp
Compact, high-performance phono preamplifier for both MM and MC cartridges, delivering a clean, detailed signal with minimal noise.
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
S. Carey Watercress
Jagjaguwar
October 3, 2025 -
Brandi Carlile Returning To Myself
Brandi Carlile Band/Interscope/Lost Highway
October 24, 2025 -
Wednesday Bleeds - Eco Mix
Dead Oceans
September 19, 2025 -
Modern Nature The Heat Warps
Bella Union
September 26, 2025 -
Astarte Blackdemonium
Sleaszy Rider
November 7, 2025 -
Kara-Lis Coverdale Series Of Actions In A Sphere Of Forever (White)
Smalltone Supersound
October 10, 2025 -
Dusted Angel This Side Of The Dirt (Orange)
Heavy Psych Sounds
September 26, 2025 -
Saintseneca Highwalllow & Supermoon Songs (Orange & Green) [2xLP]
Run For Cover
October 31, 2025 -
Sophie Ellis-Bextor Perimenopop
Republic Records
September 12, 2025 -
Crushed no scope
Ghostly Int'l
September 26, 2025 -
Bright Eyes Kids Table
Dead Oceans
September 26, 2025 -
Hooded Menace Lachrymose Monuments Of Obscuration
Season Of Mist
October 3, 2025 -
Spite House Desertion
Pure Noise Records
September 12, 2025 -
Original Broadway Cast Buena Vista Social Club Original Broadway Cast Recording [2xLP]
Bmg
October 17, 2025